Fort Gillem PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

PFAS contamination at Gillem Annex, a former military installation located in Georgia, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of the surrounding environment and local water supplies.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in military firefighting foam and other industrial applications due to their water- and grease-resistant properties.

At Gillem Annex, PFAS chemicals have been detected in both groundwater and drinking water supplies, which has led to concerns over long-term health effects for those who may have been exposed to these toxic substances.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the levels of PFAS detected in the groundwater at Gillem Annex are significantly higher than the levels deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), and PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid) are some of the key PFAS chemicals detected in the region, raising alarm about potential health risks.

The EWG’s reports highlight the persistent presence of PFAS at Gillem Annex, pointing to a major environmental issue that could impact both the military site and the surrounding communities for decades to come.

PFAS detected at Gillem Annex were reported to be at the following levels, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):

• PFOS (Groundwater on-base): 360 ppt
• PFOA (Groundwater on-base): 150 ppt
• PFBS (Groundwater on-base): 4.8 ppt

These levels of PFAS exceed safe drinking water limits as set by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines.

The presence of these chemicals poses serious risks to public health, as PFAS are known to accumulate in the human body over time, leading to potentially severe health consequences.

Sources of PFAS Exposure at Gillem Annex

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Gillem Annex is the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) during military firefighting exercises.

AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS chemicals, which have leached into the groundwater over time, contaminating both on-base and off-base water supplies.

The use of firefighting foam for training exercises and testing of large equipment has led to widespread contamination of the surrounding environment, including private drinking water wells and public water systems in neighboring communities.

Other potential sources of PFAS exposure at Gillem Annex include the storage and handling of industrial chemicals, as well as waste disposal practices that did not account for the long-term environmental impact of these harmful substances.

The cumulative effect of these sources has contributed to significant PFAS pollution in the area, impacting both military personnel and civilians who rely on local water sources.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Gillem Annex?

The populations most at risk of PFAS exposure at Gillem Annex include military personnel who were stationed at the base, civilian workers employed at the site, and residents of nearby communities.

Military personnel involved in firefighting training exercises are particularly vulnerable, as they were directly exposed to AFFF and other materials containing PFAS.

Civilians living near the annex may have been exposed through contaminated drinking water or by using groundwater from private wells.

Children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at an even greater risk of experiencing the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.

The toxic chemicals in PFAS are linked to numerous health problems, including developmental delays, thyroid disease, liver damage, kidney cancer, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

As these chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body, long-term health risks continue to affect those exposed to them.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at Fort Gillem or the surrounding areas, you may qualify to pursue a lawsuit for compensation.

To determine eligibility, you need to show that you have suffered harm as a result of PFAS contamination, either through direct exposure to contaminated water or other environmental factors at the site.

Military personnel stationed at Fort Gillem, civilian workers employed there, and residents of nearby communities who may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals are the most likely individuals to have a claim.

Eligibility for the Fort Gillem PFAS lawsuit is also dependent on the type of harm or injury sustained.

This includes severe health conditions such as cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, or other illnesses linked to PFAS exposure.

The length of time spent in the affected areas and the specific exposure routes (such as contaminated drinking water or direct interaction with AFFF firefighting foam) will be considered.

It is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in PFAS contamination to assess your case, gather the necessary evidence, and help guide you through the legal process.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

When pursuing a PFAS claim related to contamination at Fort Gillem, collecting evidence is essential for building a strong case.

The evidence you gather can help establish the link between your exposure to PFAS chemicals and any health issues or environmental damages that resulted from it.

Important types of evidence include:

• Medical Records: These documents are essential for proving that your health problems (such as cancer, thyroid disease, or other conditions) are linked to PFAS exposure. Medical records will show the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing effects of the illness, helping to establish a clear connection to contamination.
• Water Testing Results: If you lived or worked near Fort Gillem, water testing results showing elevated levels of PFAS in the drinking water or groundwater can serve as key evidence. These results provide concrete proof of contamination and potential exposure pathways.
• Witness Statements: Statements from other individuals who lived, worked, or were stationed at Fort Gillem can help support your claim. These testimonies can corroborate your experience, provide insight into exposure incidents, and lend credibility to your case.
• Military Records and Employment Information: For military personnel or civilian employees, documents showing your time at Fort Gillem, especially during known periods of contamination or PFAS-related activities, can strengthen your claim. Employment records, time stationed at the base, or documentation of training with AFFF foam can be helpful in showing direct exposure to PFAS chemicals.
• Environmental Reports and Studies: Publicly available reports from environmental agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or studies conducted on PFAS contamination at military sites can be used to show the extent of contamination and the associated health risks. These documents can serve as crucial evidence to support your case.
• Facility and Incident Documentation: If there are records of the use of AFFF firefighting foam at Fort Gillem, maintenance activities, or reports of hazardous waste disposal, they can be valuable in proving the sources of PFAS contamination. This information can help link specific activities at the facility to PFAS exposure.

Working with an experienced attorney specializing in PFAS lawsuits can ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered and presented effectively.

This helps to maximize your chances of securing the compensation you deserve for any health issues or damages resulting from PFAS contamination at Fort Gillem.

At TorHoerman Law, we are dedicated to helping those affected by PFAS contamination at Gillem Annex and other military sites.

Our experienced team of attorneys is committed to thoroughly investigating the extent of PFAS exposure and working to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused.

We understand the complex nature of PFAS lawsuits and the challenges involved in proving contamination-related health risks, which is why we use a meticulous approach to every case we handle.

Our legal team works closely with environmental experts, medical professionals, and investigators to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

We assess water contamination reports, environmental studies, and medical data to establish the link between exposure and your health issues.

Whether you are a current or former military service member, civilian employee, or a resident living near Gillem Annex, we will help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At TorHoerman Law, we are deeply committed to providing compassionate, client-focused legal representation.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by PFAS exposure, we offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and begin the process of seeking justice.

Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on your health and recovery while we pursue compensation on your behalf.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

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